Trying new things

I mentioned in an earlier post that my BF, Tom, got me a new sewing machine for Christmas.  He also got me a new open toe darning foot.  I am so excited.  I have been wanting to try free motion quilting for a while now.  I know it is going to take a LONG time to learn how to do it correctly, but you got to start somewhere, Right???

Isn't it beautiful!?!?!?  As soon as Tom got home, I made a quilt sandwich and got to work.  Here are a few samples of what I did tonight.  Keep in mind that this is my first time to ever do anything like this.  I love it even thought it is far, far from perfect.

The entire practice "tablet"

my stippling and a few loopy loops!

my childish attempt to "draw" a flower :)

I wanted to "write" a name, so I chose to write Tom, the wonderful man who got me this machine.  I love that man Sooooo much!!  Speaking of Tom, look at this candid picture I got of him...

Tom is snuggled up on the love seat with my Scrappy Strip Quilt.  There is a story about that quilt.  Maybe I'll post about that one of these days.

I plan to practice a lot over the next few weeks.  I am hoping to finish my Java quilt this month and I would love to try to stipple it.  I'll keep ya posted!!!

All things new in 2012

There is a lot of newness happening in 2012!!!  First off is my Christmas present from my wonderful boyfriend.  I have been sewing with a Brother that I purchased from Wal-Mart about four years ago.  Look what is coming in the mail soon....

It's a Janome HD1000.  I am so excited about this machine.  I know it's not a high end sewing/quilting machine, but it most definitely will be better than what I was using.  From what I can tell, it has received great reviews.  It should arrive sometime this week!

To go along with my new sewing machine is a new quilting bee.  Melissa at Happy Quilting has started a quilting bee for 2012 and I am lucky enough to be able to participate.  I am excited, nervous, scared, etc...  This will be my first quilting bee.  I can't wait to get started.  My goals for this year long project are to have fun, meet new people, and learn a lot.  I will keep you update on each block.

Hopefully I will be able to post some sewing pictures at the end of the week!  Now I am off to go fabric shopping for the quilting bee.  My stash definitely needs some building!!!

Lindsay